British poet and painter William Blake's influence was felt after his life ended in 1827, but he became a key figure in what is called the Romantic Age of poetry. Also a master engraver, Blake illustrated his works with colorful and dramatic prints using the "illuminated manuscript" technique. His "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" were two of his poetic and artistic masterpieces, although he is perhaps best known for "The Tyger" with the oft-quoted first verse "Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?" He also authored introspective, profound verse, such as the famous lines from 1803's "Auguries of Innocence."
"To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour."
("The Good and Evil Angels", William Blake)
